Camp Deerwood

Camp Deerwood: Greg Goes to Sleepaway Camp

On June 26, 2005, Greg and his parents headed off for Big Squam Lake in New Hampshire for Greg's first stay at sleepaway camp. Big Squam is famous as the location for the movie On Golden Pond. As you'll see from the photos below, it's as beautiful in real life as it was in the movies, and Greg had an amazing time during his three-and-a-half weeks "on his own."

The view from the camp's headquarters, a cabin known as "Ty". Off in the mist, across the lake, you can catch a glimpse of the White Mountains.
Here's Ty itself. The climb from Ty down to "the Fro" (waterfront) is about 200 vertical feet in about a half-mile. It is quite a hike.
Just down the hill from Ty, here's Chateau, Greg's home away from home. It's a rustic bit of coziness, sleeping 14 kids and 4 counselors!

Above, Greg with many of Deerwood's wonderful counselors. Above left, cabin counselor Noel. Above right, with Laurie Burke and Lorne Thompsen, who is the camp director. Lorne and Laurie are cousins and represent the third generation of Thompsens to run Deerwood. Immediately above left, with Dan AKA "DT", another Thompsen cousin. Immediately above right, the Chateau's counselors with Greg: Billy, Zach and Ross (Ross Perrot that is . . . yes, just like the crazy billionaire). Other counselors, not pictured: John Williams (not the composer of the Star Wars and Jaws themes) and Rock Hudson (no, not Doris Day's Rock).

At the camp's waterfront on Big Squam Lake. Above left, Greg and friends await their turn for the Swim Races on Parents' Visiting Day. (Greg finished second in his race!) Above right, some of the guys, after a swim. Immediately above left, getting ready for the canoe races on Visiting Day. Immediately above right, Greg and partner row hard during the race.

Above left, Greg and best buddy Hugh share a laugh and some ice cream. Above right, the entire population of Chateau. Greg's front row, near the center. Immediately above left, the Lost River trip. Greg is the hunched over kid who's about to leap, third from left. Immediately above right, Greg alone in front of Chateau. Right, a canoe-level view of Big Squam Lake, with the White Mountains in the background.